Dialogue, mutual understanding key to ending violence in J-K: Sonia

NEW DELHI - Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Monday said dialogue and mutual understanding is the key to ending the ongoing cycle of violence in Jammu and Kashmir.

“The Prime Minister has unveiled a blue print of reconciliation and reconstruction stemming from sincere and genuine desire to engage the people of the state and this has been and will remain our agenda,” said Gandhi, at a meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) here today.

“Reaching out to the people most importantly the youth is the need of the hour. the whole generation has grown up under the shadow of brutality and conflict and the anger and pain specially among the youth needs to be addressed,” she added expressing anguish at the prevailing situation in the Kashmir valley.

Earlier on August 15, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh said Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, and the Central Government is ready to move forward in any talks within this framework, which would increase the partnership of the common man in governance.

“In Jammu and Kashmir, we are ready to talk to every person or group, which abjures violence. Kashmir is an integral part of India. Within this framework, we are ready to move forward in any talks, which would increase the partnership of the common man in governance and also enhance their welfare,” said Dr Singh addressing the nation from the ramparts of the majestic Red Fort on the 64th Independence Day.

“India’s democracy has the generosity and flexibility to be able to address the concerns of any area or group in the country. I recently participated in a meeting with political parties from Jammu and Kashmir. We will endeavour to take this process forward,” he added.

Expressing deep regret over the recent cycle of violence in the Kashmir valley, Dr Singh appealed the people to adopt democratic means for the country’s welfare.

The Kashmir Valley has experienced a surge of violence that has led authorities to impose frequent curfew restrictions in several parts of the state.

Curfew was initially imposed on June 30 in parts of northern and southern Kashmir to stop demonstrations over a couple of protesters who died in police firing.

It was lifted some days later, but was again imposed as fresh violence erupted. (ANI)